Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson Dies Aged 93

Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson has died at the age of 93, according to a statement from his family and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Simpson, who represented Wyoming and in 2022 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, died early Friday after struggling to recover from a broken hip in December.

"He was an uncommonly generous man," Pete Simpson, his older brother, said in the statement. "And I mean generous in an absolutely unconditional way. Giving of his time, giving of his energy—and he did it in politics and he did it in the family, forever."

Simpson is survived by his wife, Ann; his brother Pete Simpson; sons Colin Simpson and William Simpson; and daughter Susan Simpson Gallagher.

What to Know

A political moderate by current standards, Simpson's three terms as senator from 1979 to 1997 covered the Republican Party's rejuvenation under President Ronald Reagan.

At 6-foot-7, Simpson was literally a towering figure—the tallest on record in the Senate until Alabama Sen. Luther Strange, who is 6-foot-9, took office in 2017.

Simpson played a key role in rallying GOP senators around the party's legislative agenda as a top Senate leader during that time. He was better known for holding his own views, though, with sometimes caustic certainty.

A deficit hawk with sharp descriptions of people who relied on government assistance, Simpson supported abortion rights—an example of moderation that contributed to his fade in the GOP.

By 1995, he'd had enough of the Senate and decided not to run again.

Simpson later taught about politics and the media at Harvard University and the University of Wyoming.

What People Are Saying

"Today, our state and country mourn the passing of our dear Senator Alan Simpson," Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) posted on X.

"There was no stronger advocate for the needs, industries, and interests of Wyoming. I extend my deepest thoughts and prayers to Al's family and friends, he will be missed dearly."

"Wyoming lost one of its most beloved and fiercest champions today," Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) said in a statement.

"Al Simpson is known for his devoted lifelong service and unparalleled sense of humor....While others ran from tough issues, Al embraced the opportunity to solve them.

"He cherished every fight to do what he thought was right. He was a mentor and a dear friend. Al's incredible legacy will influence generations to come. My prayers are with his wife Ann, their children Bill, Colin, and Sue, and their entire family."

This article uses reporting by The Associated Press.